International visitor arrivals have significantly increased, with destinations like Kenya experiencing a spectacular tourism growth during the first six months of 2024, with revenues reaching 142.5 billion Kenyan shillings. According to the Kenya Tourism Board, the country welcomed 1,027,630 international visitors, an increase of 21.3% compared to the same period in 2023. Domestic tourism also saw a surge, with 2.25 million overnight stays recorded, up by 10% from the previous year.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, currently at full capacity due to the wildebeast migration, continues to attract visitors. In response to this growing demand, the Kenya Tourism Board plans to launch a second phase of the Tembea Kenya campaign to further boost domestic tourism.

The Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, Erustus Kanga, recently emphasized the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism practices, highlighting efforts to train reserve rangers and support ecotourism.

New record for Morocco

Morocco and South Africa have also experienced significant tourist influxes, reinforcing their status as top destinations in Africa. Tourist arrivals in Morocco reached a new record of ten million people by the end of July 2024, up 15% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts under the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The air transport sector closed the first seven months of 2024 with a record number of 18.1 million passengers, an increase of 18.5% compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the same source.

The rise of sustainable tourism and unique cultural experiences has fueled this recovery, as African countries continue to invest in infrastructure and conservation to attract more visitors.

Botswana, with its new eco-friendly camps in the Okavango Delta, and Tanzania, with its safaris in the Serengeti, have drawn travelers seeking unique adventures and environmental respect. The Lamu Archipelago in Kenya has also offered exceptional cultural experiences with traditional sailing boats, adding a cultural dimension to its tourism offering.

The sector also benefited from strong visitor numbers in major cultural cities like Cairo and Giza, which continue to attract visitors with their historical riches and new tourism infrastructures.

Promise of continued growth for Africa’s tourism industry

Overall, the summer season of 2024 illustrated the resilience and vitality of tourism in Africa, with an increase in arrivals, diversification of offerings, and a growing focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. This positive trend signals a strong recovery after past disruptions and a promise of continued growth for Africa’s tourism industry.